Tennis lessons in Clapham – The Elms Academy, SW4
The Elms Academy, Elms Road, London SW4 9ET · Directions ›
Lifetime Tennis has run group tennis lessons in Clapham since 2009. Our home is The Elms Academy on Elms Road, SW4 9ET, ten minutes' walk from Clapham Common: three hard courts, all floodlit, so adult courses run every weekday evening right through the winter and classes carry on after dark when park courts have closed. Courses are small – four players to a court, two coaches on court for every adult class – and split into six levels from complete beginner to advanced, so you only ever play with people at your own standard.
Adults train Monday to Thursday evenings at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm in six- and seven-week terms, with three-hour intensives on Saturday afternoons. Juniors from four to fifteen have their own Saturday morning programme. Everything is booked online, there is no membership or joining fee, and you can join a term part-way through and pay only for the classes left.
Adult tennis lessons in Clapham – evening courses, six levels
Our Clapham adult courses run Monday to Thursday, one hour a week at 6pm, 7pm or 8pm (Level 6 runs 90 minutes), in six- and seven-week terms that follow on from each other through the year. You book the whole term, your place is held every week, and the group stays the same, which is why people make more progress in one term here than in a year of occasional hits. Most of our Clapham players are improvers to advanced, working on topspin, serving and match tactics – many of them started with us as complete beginners and moved up level by level. A beginner course runs every term, so there is always a place to start.
Every course is a single level. Use the one-minute Find your level guide if you are not sure, and if you book the wrong one we will move you. The floodlights mean the timetable is the same in January as in June – no winter break, no "back in spring".
Never played, or not since school
Swing shapes for every shot, then rallying and scoring. Usually Thursday evenings.
You can rally; now you want consistency
Topspin, footwork, serving under pressure, tactics, with match-play every week. Most evenings.
Club standard, sharpening your game
Point construction, serve and return, doubles patterns. Level 6 is 90 minutes.
This term's adult classes at Clapham – book online
Search:
| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 8 (2026) | Monday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4) 6-7pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Monday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4), 7-8pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Monday Adult Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) | Clapham | 8-9:30pm | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Tuesday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6-7pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Tuesday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4) 7-8pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Sold Out |
| Term 8 (2026) | Tuesday Adult Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) 8-9:30pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Wednesday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6-7pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Wednesday Adult Improver (Level 3) 7-8pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Wednesday Adult Intermediates (Level 5) | Clapham | 8-9:30pm | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Sold Out |
| Term 8 (2026) | Thursday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6:00-7:00pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Thursday Adult Beginner (Level 1) 7-8pm | Clapham | (7 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 8 (2026) | Thursday Adult Beginner (Level 1) 8-9pm | Clapham | (5 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Weekend (Saturday) - Level 3/4, Improver to Intermediate Course (3 hours). Clapham | 14 November, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 2, Beginner To Improver (3 hours). Clapham | 21 November, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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| Adult Intensive Weekend (Saturday) - Level 3/4, Improver to Intermediate Course (3 hours). Clapham | 28 November, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 1, Beginner (3 hours). Clapham | 5 December, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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| Adult Intensive Weekend (Saturday) - Level 3/4, Improver to Intermediate Course (3 hours). Clapham | 12 December, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Monday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4) 6-7pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Monday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4), 7-8pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Monday Adult Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) | Clapham | 8-9:30pm | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Tuesday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6-7pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Tuesday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4) 7-8pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Tuesday Adult Intermediate to Advanced (Level 6) 8-9:30pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Wednesday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6-7pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Wednesday Adult Improver (Level 3) 7-8pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Wednesday Adult Intermediates (Level 5) | Clapham | 8-9:30pm | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Thursday Adult Beginner to Improver (Level 2) 6:00-7:00pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Thursday Adult Beginner (Level 1) 7-8pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Term 1 (2027) | Thursday Adult Improver to Intermediate (Level 4) 8-9pm | Clapham | (6 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 1, Beginner (3 hours). Clapham | 16 January, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 2, Beginner To Improver (3 hours). Clapham | 23 January, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Weekend (Saturday) - Level 3/4, Improver to Intermediate Course (3 hours). Clapham | 30 January, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 1, Beginner (3 hours). Clapham | 6 February, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 2, Beginner To Improver (3 hours). Clapham | 13 February, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Weekend (Saturday) - Level 3/4, Improver to Intermediate Course (3 hours). Clapham | 20 February, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Adult Intensive Course (Saturday) - Level 1, Beginner (3 hours). Clapham | 27 February, 1:00-4:00pm | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
Sold out? Email admin@lifetimetennis.co.uk for the waiting list. Prefer one-to-one? See private tennis lessons in Clapham.
Saturday tennis intensives in Clapham
Every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm we run a three-hour intensive on one level, rotating through the levels so each comes round regularly. Twelve players at most, two coaches, three courts. It is the best way to try us before committing to a term, a good top-up between terms, and the one Clapham session where loan racquets are available. £60.
See Saturday intensive datesJunior tennis lessons in Clapham – Saturday mornings, ages 4 to 17
Our Saturday junior programme at The Elms Academy follows the LTA pathway: Mini Red (4–7), Mini Orange (8–9), Mini Green (9–11) and Yellow Ball (12+), with smaller courts, lower nets and softer balls for the younger groups so children rally from the first session. Terms follow the Lambeth school calendar – no class on the second Saturday of a school holiday – and are paid per term in advance at £16 a class. Over 1,200 families have booked with us in the last ten years.
This term's junior classes at Clapham – book online
Search:
| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Reds (4-7 years) | Sat 12:00pm-1:00pm | Clapham | Spring Term, 2027 (9 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Mini Orange 8-9 years | Sat 11:00am-12:00pm | Clapham | Spring Term, 2027 (9 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Mini Green 9-11 years | Sat 10:00am-11:00am | Clapham | Spring Term, 2027 (9 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Yellow Ball 12+ years | Sat 9-10am | Clapham | Spring Term, 2027 (9 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Mini Reds (4-7 years) | Sat 12:00pm-1:00pm | Clapham | Autumn Term, 2026 (14 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Mini Orange 8-9 years | Sat 11:00am-12:00pm | Clapham | Autumn Term, 2026 (14 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Mini Green 9-11 years | Sat 10:00am-11:00am | Clapham | Autumn Term, 2026 (14 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
| Yellow Ball 12+ years | Sat 9-10am | Clapham | Autumn Term, 2026 (14 weeks) | Clapham - The Elms Academy (SW4 9ET) |
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Register |
Not sure which group? Email admin@lifetimetennis.co.uk with your child's age and any tennis they have played. Please read the junior wet weather policy before booking.
Where we are – The Elms Academy, Clapham
The Elms Academy, Elms Road, London SW4 9ET. Come through The Elms Academy main gates; the tennis courts are down the path on the right.
- Tube: ten minutes' walk from either Clapham Common or Clapham South (Northern line) – 12 minutes from Waterloo, about 20 from Bank.
- Bus: several routes stop on Clapham Common South Side, two minutes from the gates.
- Car: paid on-street parking on Elms Road and the surrounding streets.
What to bring: sports clothes, trainers (non-marking soles) and your own racquet for weekly courses. Loan racquets are available at the Saturday intensives. Water – there is no café on site. Toilets and changing rooms are available.
Policies: classes run in light rain; a session is cancelled only for heavy or constant rain and you will be emailed – see the wet weather policy. No refunds or make-up classes for missed sessions. Pay-and-play is not offered at this venue – the courts are used only for Lifetime Tennis coaching.
Your coach at Clapham
Coach Tete – head coach
Tete leads the coaching team and runs the adult programme at Clapham. He creates a welcoming environment on court while challenging every player at the right level and intensity, which is why people get results fast. The rest of the team coach alongside him.
Read what players say about Tete ›★★★★★"Excellent weekly classes led by Tete. Always focussed and well thought through drills. 5 stars."Khalis M. · Google
★★★★★"I've joined a few of these group sessions with Tete and I really like them. Tete is a very good coach. He explains things in a very clear manner, and breaks the movements in a way that allows for understanding and natural progression. I find the structure of the sessions very well organised, with plenty of play time and drills as well as focused time with Tete to cover technique. I will be coming back."Isabella M. · Google
Questions about tennis lessons in Clapham
Are the Clapham courts floodlit?
Yes, all three. Evening courses run at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm all year round, including through the winter.
How much are tennis lessons in Clapham?
Adult group courses are £19.50 a class (£136.50 for a seven-week term, £117 for six). Level 6 is £28.50 a class. Saturday intensives are £60 for three hours. Junior classes are £16 a class, paid per term.
Can I just turn up and pay?
No – The Elms Academy courts are used only for Lifetime Tennis coaching, so there is no pay-and-play. Book a course or an intensive online and your place is held.
I'm a complete beginner – which class?
Level 1, usually on Thursday evenings. It runs every term and starts from the basic swing shapes. If you want to try first, the Saturday Level 1 intensive is a single three-hour session with loan racquets.
Can I join a term that has already started?
Yes, right up to the final week. The booking table shows a late-start price that covers only the classes still to come.
Where exactly is The Elms Academy?
Elms Road, SW4 9ET, off Clapham Common South Side – ten minutes' walk from Clapham Common or Clapham South on the Northern line. Come through The Elms Academy main gates and the courts are down the path on the right.
Do you run tennis lessons anywhere else in London?
Yes – Sunday intensives at Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, Saturday courses at Barn Elms in Barnes, and the full picture on our tennis lessons in London page.